When it comes to European football, few clubs have the history, fanbase, and tradition that Borussia Dortmund possesses. Known for their high-intensity football and the electric atmosphere at their home stadium, Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund’s success is the result of years of meticulous planning, preparation, and training. But what really goes on behind the scenes? How do they prepare for those big matches where everything is on the line? This deep dive takes you behind the scenes at Borussia Dortmund, offering an exclusive look at the rigorous processes that shape the team’s approach to key fixtures.

The Mental Side of Preparation

Before the boots hit the grass, preparation for big matches starts in the mind. Borussia Dortmund places a strong emphasis on mental readiness and psychological conditioning, recognizing that the mental game is just as important as the physical.

In the days leading up to major games, players undergo various mental conditioning sessions, often working with sports psychologists. These sessions focus on visualization techniques, where players mentally rehearse specific match scenarios. Whether it’s preparing for the pressure of a penalty shootout or visualizing how to break down an opposing defense, these exercises are designed to give Dortmund players a mental edge. This aspect of the game is critical, especially when facing high-stakes opposition in the Bundesliga or Champions League.

Experienced leaders like Marco Reus, Borussia Dortmund’s captain, play a pivotal role in the mental preparation of the squad. Reus has been a driving force within the club, providing the younger players with confidence and leading by example. His calm yet determined demeanor helps set the tone in the dressing room, ensuring that the squad is mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

Tactical Briefings: The Roadmap to Success

Tactical preparation is at the heart of Borussia Dortmund’s matchday readiness. Every match presents a different challenge, and head coach Edin Terzić and his coaching staff leave no stone unturned in their analysis of the opposition.

In the lead-up to major games, Terzić holds tactical briefings with the entire squad, often two to three days before matchday. These sessions are intense and thorough. The coaches review video footage of the opponent’s recent matches, dissecting their formations, pressing patterns, and weaknesses. Dortmund’s analysis team provides detailed dossiers on individual players, particularly focusing on key threats from the opposition.

For instance, ahead of a Champions League clash with a top European club, Dortmund’s tactical preparation will likely involve detailed discussions on how to neutralize specific attacking threats. Defensive players will be instructed on how to mark opposing strikers, while midfielders and forwards are briefed on exploiting any vulnerabilities in the opponent’s defense.

Terzić’s tactical approach often revolves around fast-paced, fluid football, with an emphasis on counter-attacks. Borussia Dortmund prides itself on its attacking play, and during these briefings, the team discusses how to break down the opposition through quick transitions and clever movement.

The Training Ground: Sharpening the Tools

While mental preparation and tactical briefings are essential, the bulk of Dortmund’s preparation takes place on the training ground. Borussia Dortmund’s state-of-the-art training facility in Brackel is where the real work happens in the days leading up to big matches.

Training sessions are meticulously planned, with each session focusing on specific aspects of the game. Early in the week, the emphasis is usually on conditioning and recovery, especially after a hard-fought weekend match. Dortmund’s medical staff works closely with the players to ensure that everyone is in peak physical condition. Recovery exercises, such as ice baths, massage therapy, and stretching routines, are common in the first couple of days.

As matchday approaches, the intensity of training ramps up. Tactical drills are a key component, with Terzić emphasizing positional play and structured rehearsals of game scenarios. One of the most important aspects of Dortmund’s training is the focus on high pressing and quick transitions—two key elements of their style.

Dortmund’s high pressing is a hallmark of their play, and training sessions regularly include drills that teach players how to win the ball high up the pitch and immediately transition to attack. This type of training requires peak fitness levels, as well as an intuitive understanding between players. Dortmund’s younger stars, like Jude Bellingham (before his transfer) and Youssoufa Moukoko, have particularly thrived in this environment, learning to integrate their individual talent into the team’s collective approach.

Set Pieces: Fine Margins in Big Games

Set pieces can often be the difference between victory and defeat, and Borussia Dortmund understands this better than most. In preparation for big matches, a significant portion of training time is devoted to mastering set-piece routines—both offensively and defensively.

During these sessions, the coaching staff works closely with players to perfect free-kick and corner strategies. Defensively, the team drills zonal marking or man-to-man coverage, depending on the opposition. Offensively, players practice well-rehearsed corner routines, aiming to exploit weaknesses in the opposition’s defensive setup.

One standout aspect of Dortmund’s set-piece preparation is the involvement of the entire squad. Defenders like Mats Hummels, who has years of experience at the top level, work alongside younger players to perfect defensive coordination during set-pieces. Meanwhile, attacking players, including the likes of Marco Reus and Julian Brandt, spend hours practicing free-kicks from various angles, perfecting their delivery and shot accuracy.

Goalkeeper Training: The Last Line of Defense

Goalkeeper training is another critical element of Borussia Dortmund’s preparation for big matches. With a strong tradition of exceptional goalkeepers, from Roman Weidenfeller to Gregor Kobel, Dortmund places a strong emphasis on ensuring their shot-stoppers are prepared for anything that might come their way.

Goalkeeper-specific drills focus on reflexes, positioning, and distribution—key skills required for modern goalkeepers who not only need to make saves but also initiate attacks with precise passing. In particular, Dortmund’s goalkeepers are trained to be comfortable playing out from the back, an important aspect of Terzić’s tactical philosophy.

Training sessions for the goalkeepers are intense and often feature one-on-one work with the goalkeeping coach. These sessions simulate game scenarios that goalkeepers are likely to face, such as 1v1 situations, penalty kicks, and quick reactions to crosses. For example, during high-stakes Bundesliga or Champions League matches, goalkeepers must be ready to handle shots from some of the best attackers in the world, and training ensures that they can rise to the challenge.

The Day Before the Big Match

As the big match draws closer, the atmosphere at Borussia Dortmund’s training ground becomes more focused. The final day before a major game is usually reserved for light tactical drills, set-piece rehearsals, and a final review of the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses.

This is also the time when the coaching staff makes final adjustments to the starting lineup and shares it with the players. Tactical clarity is paramount, and each player must fully understand their role in the team’s game plan. Players who are on the bench are also given instructions on how they can impact the game if called upon.

Terzić emphasizes a sense of unity and togetherness in these final moments before the game. Team meetings are often held in the evening, where players discuss the importance of the match and what it means to the club and its fans. These meetings foster a sense of responsibility and pride, helping players mentally prepare for the challenge that lies ahead.

Matchday: Execution of the Plan

By the time matchday arrives, Borussia Dortmund’s players are fully prepared. They’ve visualized the game, analyzed the opposition, rehearsed tactics, and fine-tuned their physical fitness. Now it’s time to execute.

In the hours leading up to kick-off, players maintain a relaxed yet focused attitude. Many have personal rituals, whether it’s listening to music, engaging in light banter with teammates, or focusing quietly on the task at hand. The atmosphere is charged, but there’s also a sense of confidence that comes from meticulous preparation.

As they step onto the pitch at Signal Iduna Park, in front of the iconic Yellow Wall, Borussia Dortmund’s players know that they’ve left nothing to chance. Every detail has been considered, and now it’s up to them to deliver.

Borussia Dortmund’s preparation for big matches is a blend of mental conditioning, tactical planning, rigorous training, and fine-tuning the smallest details. From the coaching staff’s tactical briefings to the individual work of the players on the training ground, everything is geared towards ensuring the team is ready for the challenge ahead.

Whether it’s a pivotal Bundesliga match or a high-stakes Champions League tie, Borussia Dortmund’s preparation behind the scenes is a key factor in their success. As fans watch the team on matchday, they can be assured that the players are fully prepared, mentally and physically, to give their all for the club.